Match Report: Chaos at the Azteca
Jude Bellingham was the hero of the night, scoring twice in the space of 90 breathtaking seconds to give England a 2-0 lead inside 38 minutes. The Real Madrid star first slotted home after a slick passing move, then met Bukayo Saka’s cross with a thumping header to silence the 87,000-strong Mexican crowd.
But Mexico hit back almost instantly. Julián Quiñones — El Tri’s standout forward who now has four goals in the tournament, tying Chicharito and Luis Hernández for the national record in a single World Cup — volleyed home from a corner to make it 2-1 at the break.
The game turned decisively in the 54th minute when England defender Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo. Down to 10 men, playing at altitude in front of a hostile crowd, England looked vulnerable. The match had already been delayed by an hour due to lightning storms around Mexico City.
Yet Thomas Tuchel’s men showed remarkable resilience. Harry Kane converted a penalty just after the hour mark after Anthony Gordon was brought down, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3-1. Mexico were then awarded a spot-kick of their own, and former Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez smashed it home to set up a frantic finish.
What followed was pure siege football. Mexico threw everything at England, but Jordan Pickford — making his 17th World Cup appearance, equalling Peter Shilton’s England record — made crucial saves, including a diving stop to deny Jiménez’s header. Bellingham himself cleared one off the line from a corner. England held on through 11 agonising minutes of stoppage time.
“This is what this team is made of. The character, the fight, the togetherness. We stuck together until the last second.” — Jude Bellingham
Breaking the Azteca Curse
For England, this victory carries immense historical weight. Their last World Cup match at the Azteca was the infamous 1986 quarterfinal where Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo run sent them home. Forty years later, at the same stadium against the same opposition, the Three Lions finally exorcised that ghost.
This was also England’s first-ever win on Mexican soil at a World Cup. Mexico arrived unbeaten and having not conceded a single goal in the tournament — Bellingham’s opener ended that run inside 38 minutes.
What’s Next: Norway in the Quarterfinals
England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Norway, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, have been one of the tournament’s most impressive sides and will present a formidable challenge for Tuchel’s squad.
Match Stats
- Final Score: Mexico 2-3 England
- Goalscorers: Bellingham 37′, 38′, Kane (pen) 62′ — Quiñones 42′, Jiménez (pen) 68′
- Red Card: Jarell Quansah (England) 54′
- xG: Mexico 1.94 — England 1.55
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Attendance: Sold-out 87,000
FAQ
Who scored for England?
Jude Bellingham (2 goals — 37′, 38′) and Harry Kane (penalty, 62′).
Who scored for Mexico?
Julián Quiñones (42′) and Raúl Jiménez (penalty, 68′).
Why was Jarell Quansah sent off?
Quansah received a straight red card in the 54th minute following a VAR review for a high, dangerous challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
When is England’s next match?
England face Norway in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 9 | France vs Morocco | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough |
| July 10 | QF3 vs QF4 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood |
| July 11 | Norway vs England | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami |
| July 11 | QF7 vs QF8 | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |